Southwest jet abruptly dives to avoid midair collision, passengers say
Share and Follow


Passengers on a Southwest Airlines jet from Burbank to Las Vegas say their pilot had to “aggressively” dive to avoid a midair collision with another plane shortly after takeoff on Friday afternoon.

According to flight records, Southwest Flight 1496 departed the Hollywood Burbank Airport at 11:58 a.m. The airline later stated that its crew responded to traffic alerts issued onboard, but did not confirm reasons for the sudden plummet.

“The Crew of Southwest Flight 1496 responded to two onboard traffic alerts Friday afternoon while climbing out of Burbank, Cal., requiring them to climb and descend to comply with the alerts,” stated Southwest Airlines. “Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances. No injuries were immediately reported by Customers, but two Flight Attendants are being treated for injuries. We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and Flight Attendants in responding to this event.”

Among the passengers was stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, who wrote in an X post that he and others “flew out of their seats” during the sudden maneuver, with some purportedly hitting their heads on the ceiling.

FlightAware shows SW 1496 dipped about 300 feet in elevation at 12:03 p.m.

“Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us. Wow,” Dore wrote. “A flight attendant needed medical attention.”

Southwest Airlines said the flight continued to Las Vegas, “where it landed uneventfully.”

local affiliate KTLA has reached out to the FAA for comment.

Dore’s executive producer, Stef Zamorano, posted a brief video on X where she first described it as “crazy turbulence,” before Dore chimes in and explained what passengers were told.

Another X user named Steve U. said he was also a passenger on Southwest flight #1496 and claimed the plane dove thousands of feet to avoid another aircraft. “People were screaming as the plane dove. A flight attendant is being looked at right now with an ice pack on her head.”

Nidia Becerra, Luis Zuniga and Marc Sternfield contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Michael Jackson's son Blanket makes rare public outing with girlfriend

Rare Sighting: Michael Jackson’s Son Blanket Steps Out with Girlfriend – A Must-See Moment!

On a quiet Monday, Blanket ‘Bigi’ Jackson, son of the legendary Michael…
Dilbert creator 'has DAYS to live' as ex-wife shares health update

Urgent Health Update: ‘Dilbert’ Creator Scott Adams Faces Critical Prognosis, Ex-Wife Reveals

Scott Adams, the renowned creator of the Dilbert comic strip, is facing…
I forked over thousands on a nose job... but I instantly regretted it

I Invested Thousands in Rhinoplasty, Only to Experience Immediate Regret

Investing a significant sum on a nose surgery, one woman candidly revealed…
Leonardo DiCaprio dominates Golden Globes 2026 viral moments

Leonardo DiCaprio Steals the Spotlight: Unforgettable Viral Moments from the 2026 Golden Globes

The 2026 Golden Globes offered a spectacle that the internet simply couldn’t…
Why political assassination cases aren't automatically death penalty eligible

Reevaluating Justice: Why Political Assassinations Don’t Always Lead to Death Penalty Sentences

The alleged murder plots involving Luigi Mangione and Tyler Robinson were meticulously…
Pope Leo XIV meets with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado in a surprise audience

Pope Leo XIV Holds Unscheduled Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

In a private audience at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV…
34 Swiss inferno victims 'died after renovated staircase "fell apart"

Renovated Staircase Collapse in Switzerland Claims 34 Lives: Tragic Details Emerge

The tragic New Year’s fire at a Swiss bar claimed the lives…
Real reason Amanda Seyfried grimaced at Golden Globes

Amanda Seyfried’s Surprising Reaction at the Golden Globes: What Really Happened?

At this year’s Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton hotel…